You guys, your reviews keep me motivated (: . To those who have requested certain song scenes for future chaps, I would take them into consideration however I wouldn't play them out exactly like how you would see in the show itself 'cos I'm trying to put a more personal touch to my story. So think familiar references once in awhile but perhaps in a diff situation. This chapter is rather short but I hope you like it and the next one would be up soon (:
Chapter 4:
"Alright guys! Listen up!" Derek knew his voice and presence commanded attention. That was one of the highlights of being a director but he would never admit it out loud. Ivy, Michael and the rest of the ensemble had been practicing Lets Be Bad followed by History Was Made at Night and Derek could see they were all tired.
"Tomorrow the investors will be here so I want every one of you to perform like it is your last time being on stage."
A few murmurs could be heard among the group, everyone was clearly nervous but Ivy sat there with a grin on her face. Derek knew she had worked hard for this, after years of being in the ensemble of countless productions this was a huge break for her and he respected that burning fire within her. They were both alike like that, wanting to be the best and doing whatever it takes to get it.
"So, I'll see all of you here in the morning."
He went back to his desk to gather all his papers while Tom and Julia made last minute discussions about the music accompaniment. Ivy came up to him smiling "I'll see you later at your house?"
"How about yours instead?" he countered as he continued shuffling his papers without looking up.
A long pause ensued. Derek stopped to look up. "What now?"
"I...just...Why don't we ever go to your apartment?" she blurted out.
His eyebrows rose at that question and he almost laughed at the ridiculaty of having to discuss this in the approximity of others.
"Are we actually discussing this now?"
"I don't see the problem, Derek. Everyone is aware that we're sleeping together." she declared loudly.
"Well, isn't that great?" He turned to pick up his messenger bag and noticed Karen in the reflection of the mirror laughing at something that Bobby had whispered into her ear.
"Why don't we call it a night? Tomorrow's a big day for you." His eyes glancing at Ivy's reflection for a moment.
Ivy looked at Derek and finally relented. He knew she wouldn't argue when it came to that.
"Fine. You know what's best for me." Giving him a small smile, she went out.
He watched through the reflection while taking his time to pack. Bobby and Jessica finally left and then came Karen. He followed her out of the door, long legs catching up to her. Karen turned to look behind and gave him a tired smile before stopping to press the button to call the lift.
They both stepped into the lift, silence enveloping them once the doors closed.
"Are you alright?"
Karen looked up at him with confusion "Why wouldn't I be?"
"Erm..." he trailed off, unsure if he should bring up the fact that he had noticed her looking upset during lunch break. "Nervous about tomorrow?" he finished lamely.
Karen's face lit up instantly. "Probably more excited than that," she gushed "I think the investors would love it."
"Well, they bloody do," his eyes flicking to the descending numbers flashing on the lift "I wouldn't be called brilliant for nothing."
It was then when Karen made a sound that he least expected from her.
"Ms Cartwright, did you just snort?"
Karen turned to face him, laughter in her eyes.
"I wouldn't be called brilliant," she mimicked his British accent quite well "Derek darling, you really need to keep your ego in check."
With that the lift doors slid open and she walked out smiling, leaving him standing there lost for words.